Vandalism spree in Aurora includes church and East Aurora High

AURORA, Ill. (STMW) - Police in west suburban Aurora are investigating more than a dozen cases of vandalism reported since the beginning of the year, including damage at a church and school.

Between Jan. 1 and Jan. 12, 13 vehicles and five buildings have been damaged by BBs or pellets in 15 separate incidents, according to Aurora police. One victim told police the damage to his home in the 1000 block of Pennsylvania Avenue might have occurred as early as Dec. 23 or as late as Jan. 6.

One of the buildings hit was Sacred Heart Church in the 700 block of Fulton Street, which had two door windows damaged in the overnight hours of Jan. 1, police said. Three windows at East Aurora High School in the 500 block of Tomcat Lane were also damaged between 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12 and 7 a.m. Jan. 13.

In addition to BB and pellet damage, a pickup window was shattered with a brick in the overnight hours of Jan. 9 in the 400 block of West New York Street, police said. However, the pickup’s owner said his home was also hit by a BB or pellet.

Other instances of property damage were reported:

In the 500 block of North Anderson Street and 800 block of Fifth Avenue overnight on Jan. 8;

In the 400 block of Spruce Street and 600 block of Hammond Avenue overnight on Jan. 10;

In the 300 block of South Avenue overnight Jan. 10 and 12;

In the 300 block of South Fourth Street, the 200 block of South Smith Street and the 500 block of South Ohio Street overnight on Jan. 12.

Total damage from the incidents is estimated to be at least $6,000, although several of the reports did not include damage estimates, police said.

Anyone with information should call police at (630) 256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000. Calls to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and can qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000.